The Australian and Queensland governments are committed to protecting the Great Barrier Reef, ensuring it retains its world heritage values and continues to be one of the best managed marine protected areas in the world.
As part of this commitment, the two governments are working together to undertake a comprehensive strategic assessment of the Great Barrier Reef World Heritage Area and adjacent coastal zone.
The strategic assessment is being carried out in accordance with the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act) and will be one of the most comprehensive strategic assessments ever undertaken.
There are two parts to the comprehensive strategic assessment—a marine component and a coastal zone component.
The marine component, led by the Australian Government’s Great Barrier Reef Marine Park Authority, will look at the arrangements in place to manage and protect the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park and World Heritage Area.
The coastal zone component, led by the Queensland Government, will look at the state’s planning, development and management framework and how it provides environmental protection along the coastal zone, adjacent to the Great Barrier Reef.
The comprehensive strategic assessment is being undertaken in line with the Terms of Reference (marine component and coastal zone component) which were finalised following public consultation in early 2012.
For more information view the overview fact sheet.